Cirrus bellwether

02/03/12, 2 pm, facing west

A bellwether is an indicator of trends and comes from the bell around the neck of the ram (or wether) leading a flock of sheep. Cirrus clouds often presage a weather change, and we've had lots of changes this winter. Cold fronts followed by warm fronts--both passing through and bringing rain.


These cirrus clouds were laced over central Virginia on Friday, January 3rd in the early afternoon. We expected overcast skies on Friday but that didn't arrive until  afternoon with brief showers after dark.


We are finally closer to average winter temperatures with highs in the low 50's and lows in the 30's. This cold front may bring some actually winter-like temperatures.